Average Microbiologists Salary in Washington
Microbiologists in Washington can expect an average annual salary of $81,970, which is below the national average of $93,240. This disparity is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, the specific industry demands within the state, and the overall cost of living, which can affect compensation benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $81,970 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $116,830.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 350 Microbiologists and a Location Quotient of 0.78, Washington presents a moderately concentrated but not overwhelmingly saturated job market for this profession. The figure of 0.1 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these specialized skills within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Microbiologists in Washington earns-12.1%below the national average.
$39.4
$1,576
$6,831
Microbiologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Microbiologist salary growth in Washington over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that compensation in specialized scientific fields has seen a consistent upward trend. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for expertise, and advancements in the field, leading to higher average salaries over time.
Microbiologists Salary Distribution in Washington
The career trajectory for Microbiologists in Washington typically shows a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior Microbiologists with extensive experience and specialized knowledge can command salaries considerably higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the substantial career progression and earning potential available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $50,600 | $24.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $61,478 | $29.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $77,130 | $37.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $102,463 | $49.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $116,830 | $56.2 |
Detailed Microbiologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$81,970
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,216
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The average annual salary of $81,970 in Washington needs to be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 115.1. This index, which is 15.1% higher than the national average, indicates that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of a Microbiologist's earnings in Washington may be somewhat diminished due to higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
0.1
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Washington has 0.78x the national average concentration of Microbiologists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.78 suggests that Microbiologists are slightly less concentrated in Washington compared to the national average. This indicates that while the profession is present and has a workforce, it is not a primary hub for this particular role, potentially offering a balanced competitive landscape for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Microbiologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Microbiologists Salary | $83,350↑ 2% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Microbiologists make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Microbiologists in Washington is $81,970. This typically ranges from $50,600 for entry-level positions to $116,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 12.1% lower than the national median of $93,240.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Microbiologists?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While Washington offers an average salary of $81,970, it falls short of the national average of $93,240. Furthermore, the higher cost of living in the state can reduce the effective purchasing power of this salary.
Is Washington a good place to live for Microbiologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($83,350) and others.
What is the average salary for a Microbiologist in Washington?
The average annual salary for a Microbiologist in Washington is $81,970.
How does Washington's Microbiologist salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Microbiologists in Washington ($81,970) is lower than the national average ($93,240).
What is the cost of living in Washington compared to the national average?
Washington has a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, meaning it is 15.1% more expensive to live there than the national average (which is 100).
How concentrated is the Microbiologist job market in Washington?
The job market for Microbiologists in Washington is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.78, indicating slightly less concentration than the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.1 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Microbiologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington